ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s remarks ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament
Namaskar friends,
The Budget Session of 2023 is going to commence from today. At the very outset, the stalwarts from the financial world, whose opinions matter, have been signalling positive messages from all directions bringing rays of hope and new enthusiasm. Today is a very significant day. The present Hon'ble President of India is going to address the Joint Session of Parliament for the first time. The President's address signifies the dignity of India’s Constitution and the pride of the parliamentary procedures. Especially, today is also an occasion to pay respect to women power as also to the great tribal tradition of our country who live in remote forests. Today is a glorious moment not only for the MPs, but also for the entire country as the present Hon'ble President of India is going to address the Parliament for the first time. In our parliamentary proceedings the tradition that has developed in the last six-seven decades, it has been noticed that when a new MP speaks for the first time, the entire House pays respect to the MP regardless of the Party he or she belongs to. A conducive atmosphere is created in the House so that the self-confidence of the MP is boosted. This is a brilliant and excellent tradition. Today the Hon'ble President will also deliver her inaugural speech. It is our responsibility to mark the moment with appropriate enthusiasm and energy by all the MPs. I believe that we, all the MPs, will be able to meet this standard. The Finance Minister of our country is also a woman. Tomorrow she will present yet another Budget to the country. In the present global scenario, the Indian budget is monitored not only by India, but also the whole world. Considering the fluid world economic scenario, India’s budget will not only try to meet the aspirations of ordinary people of India but also take into consideration the hopes and aspirations of the whole world. I firmly believe that Nirmala ji will try her best to fulfil these aspirations. The NDA government under BJP leadership has only one motto and the focal point of our work culture is ‘India First, Citizen First’. Taking forward this idea, this budget session will discuss as well as debate all these issues and I believe that our friends from the opposition will come fully prepared and put forward their opinions after studying the subjects minutely. These deliberations in the House for policy decisions will produce such nectar that will be fruitful for the country. I once again welcome you all!
Heartiest wishes to you all! Thank you.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visits the Flood Relief Camp at Nagaon, Assam to assess support to affected people
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today visited the relief camp set up at Phulaguri Higher Secondary School, Nagaon, Assam for flood affected people of the region. The minister visited to assess the support provided and interacted with the affected people. Shri Sonowal extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and next of kin of all those who lost their lives in these devastating flood.
To assess the damage & destruction caused by these devastating flood, a Central team would be visiting soon, informed the Union Minister. After the visit, the team will prepare a report and submit it to the government for all possible support for people and provide assistance.
Speaking after the visit to the flood relief camp Shri Sonowal said the flood situation in Assam is grim and the government is working towards providing relief & support to all the people affected in this flood. He said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah have enquired about the situation on ground. He said they have expressed concern at the fury of this unfortunate natural calamity and assured all possible help from the centre.
The minister, while interacting with the officials, thanked all the staff for extending all possible support to the flood affected people & urged them to continue in that direction towards welfare of the people.
The Minister further added that the team Assam under Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma are working hard to tackle the situation and he has been talking to the Chief Minister on a regular basis in this regard.
The Union Minister also reviewed the flood situation on the either side of National Highway between Guwahati and Raha. The Minister was briefed about rescue and relief support provided in this region.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the people on the eve of International Day of Yoga
(The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people on the eve of the International Day of Yoga. Following is the full text of the message -
“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim.
The better your practice, the brighter your flame.”
- B.K.S. Iyengar
On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, let us resolve to brighten our lives physically, mentally and spiritually by practising Yoga every day.
The pandemic made the world realise the importance of overall well-being and Yoga is one simple yet powerful practice that helps us build resilience and improves our health holistically. It gives me immense happiness that Yoga, India's gift to humanity, is transforming millions of lives around the globe.
Ministry of Communications
Postal union derecognition due to irregular funding and violation of multiple provisions
Service Associations have always been an integral part of Department of Posts. They play a vital role in furtherance of common service interests of its members.
Central Civil Services  Rules - CCS  Rules, 1993 provide for recognition of the Service Associations. It is incumbent upon all the recognised associations to comply with all the provisions of the CCS  Rules, 1993.
A complaint was received regarding alleged violation of these rules by two associations – All India Postal Employees Union Group ‘C’ and National Federation of Postal Employees . The allegations pertained to irregular utilisation of the funds raised from members of the unions.
A detailed enquiry was conducted regarding complaints following due procedure. The union was given sufficient opportunity to present their case.
Enquiry report identified various irregularities in fund utilisation by the union which were violative of provisions of CCS  Rules, 1993. Violation of multiple provision under these rules amounted to non-compliance of the objective of service associations with respect to the following aspects:
- Promoting the common service interest of its members [Rule 5].
- Utilising funds for purpose other than furtherance of objects of service association [Rule 5 ].
- No political funding or propagation of political views of any party or its member [Rule 6 ]
These actions, if carried out by a Government Servant would also contravene provisions of the Central Civil Services  Rules, 1964 [Rule 6 ]
Therefore, following the due procedure, the Department of Posts has withdrawn the recognition of All India Postal Employees Union Group ‘C’ and National Federation of Postal Employees  with effect from April 25, 2023.
Certain employees associations have been making non-factual and misleading statements regarding privatisation/corporatisation of Department of Posts.
It is clarified that there is no proposal of corporatization or privatisation of the Post Offices.
On the contrary, the Government in last few years has utilised the Postal network for doorstep digital banking and delivery of government services in rural areas. The post office network has, therefore, been consistently expanded and strengthened over the years.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President leaves for Belgium to attend 12th ASEM Summit
The 51 nations’ summit is seen as the highest platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe;
VP to have bilateral talks with Heads of Governments of Austria, Portugal, Switzerland and other countries;
VP to also address Indian Diaspora;
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today left for Belgium to attend the two-day 12th Asia-Europe Meeting  in Brussels.
The theme of the ASEM Summit is ‘Global Partners for Global Challenges’.
The bi-annual event is considered the highest platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe in the areas of trade, investment, security and tourism. As many as 51 Heads of States/ Heads of Government are expected to participate in the Summit where a wide range of issues from climate change to terrorism are expected to be discussed.
This will be the first multi-lateral summit the Vice President will be attending after taking office in August 2017.
The Vice President will also participate in the Plenary Session and have interactions with various stakeholders. He will also call on His Majesty, the King of the Belgians and have bilateral meetings with the Heads of State / Government from Austria, Portugal, Switzerland and other countries on the sidelines of the Summit.
The Vice President will also address the Indian Diaspora at the Jain Culture Centre in Wilrijk, Antwerp and pay respects and offer floral tribute at a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi located in the Governorate at Antwerp.
The Vice President will return to India on October 21.
Ministry of Education
India holds the first ever INDSAT exam under ‘ Study in India' Programme
Five thousand students from Twelve Countries take the Online Proctored exam
The Ministry of HRD conducted the first ever Indian Scholastic Assessment  Test 2020 under its 'Study in India’ programmeyesterday. Nearly five thousand candidates from Nepal, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sri-Lanka, Kenya, Zambia, Indonesia and Mauritius appeared for the exam conducted in the proctored internet mode by the National Testing Agency. EdCIL  Limited, a PSU under MHRD and the implementing agency of SII handled the registrations and other aspects of the examination.
Ind-SAT is an exam for grant of scholarships and admissions to foreign students for studying in select Indian universities under the Study in India programme. The exam is designed to gauge the scholastic capability of students applying to study in India. The Ind-SAT scores will serve as a criterion to shortlist the meritorious students for the allocation of scholarships for under graduate as well as post graduate programmes under ‘Study in India’ programme.
The Finance Minister, as part of the budget speech this year, had announced that the Ind-SAT exam is proposed to be held in Asian and African countries, for benchmarking foreign candidates who receive scholarships for studying in Indian higher education centers. The exam was held in 12 countries on a pilot basis this year. There are plans to extend this to other countries in the future.
The Study in India is a programme of MHRD under which foreign students come to study in 116 select higher education institutions in India for under graduate and post graduate programmes. The selection of the students is based on their merit in the class 12 / school leaving exam. About top 2000 students are given scholarships, while some others are given fee discounts by the institutions. Around 780 students had taken admission under the programme during its first year - 2018-19. In the second year this number rose to about 3200.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Rani Lakshmibai on her Jayanti.
“Rani Lakshmibai is a source of inspiration for every Indian. Her fortitude in the face of adversity and steadfast opposition to colonialism will never be forgotten. It is due to greats like her that India won freedom. Remembering her on her Jayanti”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
News report suggesting insensitive remark by head of Directorate General of Health Services  is misleading
Directorate is a part of the Union Health Ministry and works in close coordination to solve the problems of medical & nursing professionals
A news report in The Morning Standard regarding an ‘insensitive remark’ by head of Directorate General of Health Services , Ministry of Health & Family Welfare against nurses is misleading. The report indicating that a controversial remark was made few days ago on the representation of demands by the nurses group, thus showcasing lack of empathy towards nursing profession, is apparently being blown out of proportion.
For all health matters including nursing matters, Directorate General of Health Services  performs the function of technical repository and provides specialised domain-specific technical inputs to the Ministry. In health, including nursing matters, policy decisions and their programmatic implementation is the responsibility of the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. This division of work leads to a harmonious relationship between Dte.GHS and the Ministry.
At present, there are three technical positions relating to the nursing domain in Dte.GHS. They are Nursing Advisor, ADG , Dy. Asst. DG  and Deputy Nursing Advisor. Some Nursing Associations have been demanding that these technical posts be transferred from Dte.GHS to the Ministry. Since the present system of technical advice being provided by Dte.GHS and programmatic implementation being done by the Ministry is working in a satisfactory manner, hence the Ministry is not in favour of transfer of these technical posts from Dte.GHS to the Ministry.
Dte.GHS is extremely sensitive to the profession of nursing and wishes to see it achieving its rightful place within the medical profession. A section of nurses, it appears, are not satisfied with four technical nursing posts being operated by Dte.GHS and want these posts to be transferred to the Ministry. The email referred to in the news report is DGHS’s response to these Nursing Associations. The representation in this regard received in the Directorate was clearly acknowledged. Moreover, DGHS firmly believes that his Directorate is an integral part of the Ministry and works with the Nursing Programme Division of the Ministry to solve all the problems of nurses.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Ministry organises “Cycle for Health” rally at Lady Hardinge Medical College
Mega Cycling events along with other activities being conducted at all 1.56 lakh Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres  across the country today
Initiatives being undertaken as part of “Swastha Mann, Swastha Ghar”, a year-long campaign aiming to promote and enhance awareness surrounding healthy living
Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organises a Cyclathon with the theme, ‘Cycle for Health’ at Lady Hardinge Medical College  today. Faculty, staff and students participated with great fervour and in huge numbers. Such rallies are being organised to promote physical and mental well-being and inform our citizens about environment friendly conveyance.
Mega cycling events in the form of Cyclathon, Cycle Rally or Cycle for Health are being undertaken at all 1.56 lakh Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres  today. These activities are being done as part of the ongoing “Swastha Mann, Swastha Ghar” year-long campaign launched in November last year which aims to promote and enhance awareness surrounding healthy living. In accordance to this, Health Melas will also be organized on 14th of every month at all AB-HWCs across the country where activities such Yoga, Zumba, Teleconsultation, Nikshay Poshan Abhiyan, Non-Communicable Diseases screening and Drug Distribution, Sickle Cell Disease screening will be conducted.
Taking this initiative forward, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya who is also known as a “Green MP” for his enthusiasm for cycling, have been urging people to use bicycle to promote health and fitness. Participants at LHMC including younger generation were also encouraged to inculcate healthy practices in their lives to ensure physical and mental benefits. Physical activities help in keeping away many of the non-communicable and life-style diseases.
In a tweet posted by the Union Health Minister yesterday, he encouraged everyone to take part in the initiative.
Glimpses of the mega cycling event from different parts of the country, can be seen below.
As the country celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ , Government of India is taking various steps to fulfil the vision of ensuring Health and Wellness of all citizens and making it an integral part of our daily lives.
Shri Vishal Chauhan, JS, Dr. . Atul Goel, DGHS, Dr. Subhash Giri, Director , other senior officials of Ministry along with faculty, staff and students of LHMC participated in the mega cycling event.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to visit Karnataka on 25th March
PM to inaugurate Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Chikkaballapur
PM to inaugurate Whitefield  to Krishnarajapura Metro Line of Bangalore Metro
Metro line will further enhance ease of mobility and reduce traffic congestion in the city
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Karnataka on 25th March, 2023. At around 10:45 AM, Prime Minister will inaugurate Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Chikkaballapur. At around 1 PM, Prime Minister will inaugurate Whitefield  to Krishnarajapura Metro Line of Bangalore Metro and also undertake a ride in the metro.
PM at Chikkaballapur
In an initiative that will help students to avail new opportunities and provide accessible and affordable healthcare in this region, Prime Minister will inaugurate Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research . It has been established by Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur. Situated in a rural area and established with a vision of de-commercialising medical education and healthcare, SMSIMSR will provide medical education and quality medical care - completely free of cost - to all. The institute will start functioning from the academic year 2023.
PM at Bengaluru
Prime Minister has had a special focus on the development of world class urban mobility infrastructure across the country. In line with this, the 13.71 km stretch from Whitefield  Metro to Krishnarajapura Metro Line of Reach-1 extension project under Bangalore Metro Phase 2, will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Whitefield  Metro Station. Built at a cost of around Rs 4250 crores, the inauguration of this metro line will provide a clean, safe, rapid and comfortable travel facility to commuters in Bengaluru, enhancing ease of mobility and reducing traffic congestion in the city.
Ministry of Defence
MISSION SAGAR - II
Handing Over Food Aid to Eritrea by INS Airavat
In continuation of the ongoing humanitarian mission ‘Sagar-II’, Indian Naval Ship Airavatarrived at Port Massawa, Eritrea on 06 November 2020. The Government of India is providing assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries to overcome natural calamities and COVID-19 pandemic, and towards the same INS Airavat is carrying food aid for the people of Eritrea.
The Mission Sagar-II is aligned with Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR  and reiterates India’s position as a dependable partner in Indian Ocean Region  with Indian Navy as the principle maritime agency and first responder in the maritime domain. The mission also highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours and further strengthens the existing bond. The Indian Navy is progressing this mission in close coordination with the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, and other agencies of the Government of India.
INS Airavat is indigenously built and was commissioned on 19 May 2009. The ship’s primary role is amphibious operations and is also well suited for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 160.58 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 12.79 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,60,58,13,745
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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12,79,45,321
More than 160.58 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 12.79 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Mines
LITHIUM DISCOVERY IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Geological Survey of India has carried out a ‘preliminary exploration’ i.e. G3 stage mineral exploration project on Bauxite, Rare Earth Elements and Lithium in Salal- Haimna areas of Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir during FS 2020-21 & 2021-22 and has confirmed an inferred resource  of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore.
There are scattered houses in the mineralised block of Salal-Haimna, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir.
The processing and refining methods for lithium ore can vary depending on the type of lithium deposit, the characteristics of the ore, and the intended end-use of the lithium compounds. India is capable of developing technologies for beneficiation of lithium ore to lithium mineral concentrate. Successful experimentation has been done for extraction of lithium from mineral concentrate in laboratory scale.
The decision regarding auctioning of the Lithium mineral block in Jammu & Kashmir will be taken up by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir as on date.
The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research under Department of Atomic Energy has established 1600 tonnes  lithium resource in Marlagalla area, Mandya District, Karnataka. This is a preliminary estimate and since then, exploration inputs by AMDER are focused to convert the preliminary estimate to exploitable category and higher degree of confidence and to augment lithium resource in the adjoining extension areas. Bench scale studies have been completed on hydro-metallurgical extraction of Lithium from Spodumene mineral concentrate from the area to produce very pure Lithium Carbonate.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.